Artificial Imagination: Kristofer Robins
Kristofer Robins
Between Worlds
The art depicts the symbolic journey of individuals who have become disconnected from their world and are struggling to find their place. The central focus of the artwork is the internet and the user, representing the only means of connection between the individuals and the outside world.
The user is surrounded by robots symbolising the individual’s isolation and detachment. In contrast, the internet represents the hope and possibility it offers this user.
The artwork is a poignant reminder of the power of technology to connect us and the importance of staying connected to the world around us.
“My name is Kristina, and I am an animation and computer graphics artist. Ever since childhood, I loved to draw and liked that I was pretty good at it. By the end of school, my parents helped me decide to pursue my passion and study to become an artist. After completing tutoring and courses, I entered Institute, where I studied for six years and received a Red Diploma.
During my time in Institute, I dabbled in various fields such as acting, radio, board games and teaching it to others, and cybersports, but I always returned to my love of drawing. After graduating, I finished several courses in CG art and attended CG conferences, immersing myself in the community.
I occasionally freelanced and did small orders, but my priorities shifted when COVID hit, and I became a mother. Motherhood is a challenging job requiring much attention, leaving little time or energy for creativity. However, I kept the tone up by doing intermittent freelancing.
Eventually, I discovered the world of NFTs and became enamoured with the community’s supportive and inspiring nature. I minted my first NFT in November 2021 and started selling my art. Later I met a company of collectors and decided to try it too. From late December 2021 to November 2022, I tried collecting and selling NFTs on Tezos, which was easier to combine with motherhood and equally enjoyable. The experience of collecting helped me understand this kitchen from a different side.
As AI technology advances, seeing how it’s changing the art world is exciting. AI reduces the time it takes to create art and opens up new possibilities. I started to study and try my hand at AI.
In December 2022, I minted my first NFT on Ethereum and had my work exhibited at various shows in different countries. Dubai, Art Week in Milan, Belgium, Art Basel Miami and others.
I’m still exploring my style and trying to show history in each piece. I don’t believe in limiting myself to one thing since the world is vast, and the NFT space allows me to express my creativity: I am Kristina. ”
What was your path to doing what you’re doing now?
I have been drawing since I was young, and my parents supported me in pursuing my passion. After completing courses and studying for six years, I received a Red Diploma from Institute. Although I did various things, including acting, radio, board games and teaching them to others, and cybersports, I always returned to drawing. When I became a mother, I continued intermittent freelancing but discovered NFTs and started selling my art. The community was supportive and inspiring and collecting helped me understand the space better. I've exhibited my work in various countries. The NFT space allows me to express my creativity without limits. As AI technology advances, I'm excited to explore the possibilities it brings to the art world.
Did you have an “Aha!” moment when you knew that working with AI was what you wanted to do?
As I delved deeper into AI, it became clear that this was not just a passing trend but a groundbreaking technological advancement. It was only a matter of time before AI and art became closely intertwined. As a professional, I knew that rejecting progress was not an option. Thus, I came to the logical conclusion that AI had to be vital to my creative pipeline. Its endless possibilities for enhancing and augmenting artistry were too exciting to ignore.
How does AI influence your way of doing work now?
With the aid of AI, the time invested in creating art is greatly reduced, providing artists with ample opportunity to experiment with different styles and techniques without compromising on quality. My approach to using AI in my creative pipeline involves searching for ideas, sketching by hand, prompting various components or elements for the artwork, merging them on Procreate, redrawing some parts, colour correcting, and adding special effects or noise. This process is both enjoyable and fulfilling for me as an artist. By embracing AI's possibilities, we can create more impactful art and explore new horizons in the creative world.
Do you collaborate with other artists?
I haven't collaborated with artists yet, but I want to try this experience. With great anticipation, I look forward to immersing myself in collaborative creativity.
As a creative person, do you ever have those moments where you feel like everything you create is just shit?
As a creative individual, there are moments when my art frustrates me, and I begin to doubt my abilities. However, I recognise that this is a common struggle and that every piece of art I've created has contributed to my growth as an artist. And I wouldn't have believed before that I could do what I can now. So at times like this, I try to look at my art objectively. Seeking feedback from those around me can provide valuable insights and help me determine whether my work truly needs improvement or is simply a matter of fatigue. Often, I discover that correcting some artwork elements can significantly affect how I feel about my work. Stepping away from the piece for a time and returning with fresh eyes can also give me a new perspective and help me identify areas where I can improve.
Is it necessary to you to be a part of a creative community of people?
The world of creativity is an endless source of inspiration and support. Within it lies a community that fosters meaningful connections and friendships. Here, successes are celebrated, failures are sympathised with, and a helping hand is never too far away. It's a second family where like-minded individuals share their passion and purpose. Without this community, the journey of creating NFTs would be solitary and unfulfilling. It's the people, the support, and the encouragement that make it all worthwhile.
Have you taken any significant risks to move forward?
Venturing into the world of NFTs comes with its risks, but I decided to pursue this path instead of taking the safer route of working in a game studio as an illustrator. The allure of NF is its limitless possibilities, allowing me to freely express my creativity and create the artwork I want to make. Perhaps the greatest source of comfort and encouragement for me is the unwavering support of my family, who believe in my abilities and dreams.
What made you pursue NFT art as a medium?
One of the most fascinating aspects of NFT art is its boundless potential. As an artist, I can fully express my creativity and create works that embody my vision. Moreover, through NFT art, I can earn a well-deserved income for my genuine creative efforts. The unique combination of artistic freedom and financial reward makes NFT art an attractive and exciting medium to explore.
What advice would you give to someone starting in AI art and NFT?
As a tip for those new to the NFT world, I highly recommend immersing yourself in the creative community. Engage with others who share your passions, and find a cosy chat room where you feel at ease. Share your achievements, vent about setbacks, and celebrate the successes of your peers. Not only will you gain valuable insights and support, but you'll also forge meaningful connections that can last a lifetime. Furthermore, don't underestimate the power of Twitter - it's a vital tool for building a successful NFT career and connecting with like-minded individuals who share your vision.
What would it be if you could go back and do one thing differently?
While I may have joked about buying bitcoins at a low price, the truth is that I regret not getting into NFTs sooner. It would have been an honour to be considered a veteran in the realm of NFT and to be among the pioneers who paved the way for this innovative art form. Something about being a trailblazer in an emerging artistic space with limitless creativity and financial reward potential is alluring. Alas, I can only imagine what it would have been like to be an early adopter, but I'm excited to see where the future of NFT art will take us.